Woof 8 > Waipukurau Updated

I am now woofing in the small town of Waipukurau with Angela and her 3 boys, 8,12,16. My roommate is Connor, he is 8. We have a secret language and practice his cricket skills in the paddock behind house. Angela has a meat packhouse behind there placein which they process veal ribs and bovine placenta which they ship overseas. I am happy that I have not been required to help with whatever process that goes on with the placenta. Moving on>> Amazing mountain bike trail about 2 miles away that I went to about 10 to 12 times during my 2 week stay. They are building a big new house and I will be busting up rock to fill columns on front and back porch. There are many projects going on here and always games to play with the kids. During my time here these are some of my activities: the horse races, sheep and beef dinner party, playing with 4 week old lab puppies, waipukurau nightlife, cricket with the boys, cards, feeding sheep, moving boxes, planting trees. Very enjoyable but always exciting to be on the move.

Pictures while at mikes

Pig hunting with Mike

Mike is not your typical friendly new zealander. About 90% of the time he looks like he wants to rip your head off. I knew i needed to get on his good side from the beginning or it would be an unpleasant work environment.

I am really enjoying it here so needless to say Mike and I get on well. Its been hard but gratifying work. Wood cutting/trimming, garden tilling, rock collecting among much more.

There is a lot going on here in the Bay of Plenty. Mike has 13 dogs, a horse, probably 75 head of cattle, 2 goats, 2 sheep, 15 chickens, 4 duck and 3 cats. I look out from the back porch over Mike's 50 beautiful acres with a river running through. I have never seen so many different animals in on area. All the ducks and chickens with their head to the ground in search of food in close proximety to the house. Its quite the sight to see.

So I went on my first pig hunt with mike in the hills behind mike's place. No pig but something new.

All meals are cooked on his potbelly stove. For lunch, we eat the eggs the chickens give us and for dinner we will have either venisen, pork, or trout. Those are the options because thats what Mike hunts.

Went on a nice kayak trip a few days ago down through the gorge among a number of pleasant trail walks.

I will probably be here for only a few more days then I will continue my nomadic journey south down the east coast.

more pics

Coromandel Peninsula

Amazing times in Thames. I sit down to the computer after a long day hiking. Its good to relax and reflect on the eventful day. Stunning views throughout the 5 hour adventure. I found it difficult to capture the views with the camera. Might nap for a bit and then catch the rugby match later.

5th woof, now heading east

This past week i have been in the company of Penny and Annetta who proved to be quite the duo. Penny milks cows daily and comes home for afternoon chores around the house. Annetta is a counselor. I have enjoyed working with Penny: on a rock path, splitting firewood, and some cow work. my favorite chore however was cutting and burning thorny brush to clear more grazable land for the cattle and sheep (SEE PENNY ADDING BRUSH TO THE FIRE ABOVE.)

It has been a week to remember: fresh milk every morning, their dog had puppies 3 days ago, 70 sheep and over 100 cow, 4 dogs, three cats.

Now that my back is completely healthy, im back on the climbing pics...

I just got into Thames this afternoon which is about an hour east of my past stay. I hope to spend at least two nights on the trail among numerous day hikes. Difficult to find woof in this particular area so i will just be traveling for about a week or so around the coromandel region.

Love you guys...

REMEMBER YOU CAN CLICK IMAGE FOR A CLOSER VIEW

Used Car

I Bought a used car today. Cars incredibly cheep here compared to the States. 1989 White Mazda hatchback, no radio, hubcaps, or power steering. Its a 4 speed so no worries about me driving too fast. On the highway i generally go about 5 under the speed limit just so i dont kill the car. Unfortuanatly pictures will have to wait; i do have internet at my current woof but comp too slow to upload pic.